PUPILS, teachers and parents said their farewells at an emotional commemorative service held in dedication of St Paul's School.

The 19th century Ramsbottom primary school is to close at the end of the week, despite a massive campaign to keep it open.

The fate of St Paul's CE, in Crow Lane was sealed after an independent adjudicator backed the local education authority's decision to close the school.

Following a full review, Schools Adjudicator, Professor Philip Hunter, announced he accepted the case put forward by Bury Metro Council and agreed that the school, which was built in 1868, was no-longer viable because of falling numbers.

But campaigners said St Andrew's was almost full and any extra pupils would have been forced to study in temporary classrooms.

The special commemorative service held at St Paul's Church, Bridge Street was held to look back on the school's fruitful history.

Headteacher Margaret Chamberlain spoke at the service and invited past pupils to the stage to sing songs and remember the days of school life at St Paul's.

Ramsbottom councillor Barry Theckston attended the emotional service, which also involved recorded recitals by pupils.

Coun Theckston said: "The church was packed with well over 200 people. Past and present pupils were there as well as teachers, parents and campaigners who have been working tirelessly to help keep the school open.

"The service itself was a thankyou for the life of the school and all the children that have gone through it. The school is a tiny old Victorian school which meant many of the children got one-to-one teaching which made it so special.

"It was an extremely positive service of thanks giving and reflection to allow people to look to the future, although there were one or two tears shed at the service.

"The pupils, teachers and everybody else who had any involvement with the school will now be able to move on with many fond memories of the school."

It is not yet known what will happen to the building, which has already been put up for sale.

Coun Theckston added: "A few ideas have been going around but at the moment all it is is speculation but I hope it would go to good use, perhaps something for the community."

Pupils will be transferred to the nearby St Andrew's in Bolton Road or Peel Brow when the new school years starts in September.